2003 Impala Ignition Stuck, Please help

[kortex]

My key will not turn at all. I usually jiggle the wheel for a while and the key will turn. I took apart the dash and have the ignition switch assembly hanging below the steering wheel. I managed to get a ride to work today, but that won't work tomorrow. Is there any way (with or without the key) to start the car? I don't care if I have to start it with a screwdriver. This car seems to have one problem after another and I don't have the money to repair this.

Other things I've tried:
-Lightly tapping the key with a hammer
-Leaving the key in the ignition for long periods of time
-Jiggling the wheel like crazy
-Pressing hard on the brake pedal
-disconnecting/reconnecting the battery

I'm desperate here--any help would be appreciated.

[2005chevimpala]

Originally Posted by kortex

My key will not turn at all. I usually jiggle the wheel for a while and the key will turn. I took apart the dash and have the ignition switch assembly hanging below the steering wheel. I managed to get a ride to work today, but that won't work tomorrow. Is there any way (with or without the key) to start the car? I don't care if I have to start it with a screwdriver. This car seems to have one problem after another and I don't have the money to repair this.

Other things I've tried:
-Lightly tapping the key with a hammer
-Leaving the key in the ignition for long periods of time
-Jiggling the wheel like crazy
-Pressing hard on the brake pedal
-disconnecting/reconnecting the battery

I'm desperate here--any help would be appreciated.

had the same problem with my impala 3 weeks ago, the keys which are inside the ignition little pieces of flat metal fell out inside the tumbler causing it to jam up,you got to take out the ignition,takes a bit of fooling around to get it out then bring it to a locks smith to get it repaired,won't cost a lot.

[kortex]

I will try and take it to someone today. I really wish there was a way to bypass the whole damn thing and "hotwire" the car. I've read a lot about this and everything says that this will just keep happening, over and over...

[kortex]

I had the lock rebuilt. The guy at the lock repair shop said the tumblers were completely worn down and ruined. The key turns great now! That isn't the problem now though. When I was taking apart the ignition, these little gold pins and springs (picture 1) flew out. I think they go in holes with springs behind them but I can't seem to assemble it. I numbered the holes in case someone knows (picture 2). Does anyone have a repair manual link or a picture of how to correctly assemble this thing? I have 5 gold pins and 4 springs. I imagine that will be a problem. There are three large parts:

a) the black plastic housing that the lock goes inside (picture 3, back shown)

b) white thing with a large metal spring that goes between parts a and c (pictures 4 and 5)

c) white thing with holes for stupid gold pins and springs that I'm not sure what to do with (picture 6)

picture 1


picture 2


picture 3


picture 4


picture 5


picture 6

[kortex]

I don't even know what these parts are called. Does anyone know what the white part is called that the gold pins go in (picture 6)?

[Dave43]

Originally Posted by kortex

I don't even know what these parts are called. Does anyone know what the white part is called that the gold pins go in (picture 6)?

It appears you took apart the ignition switch.

[willmardan]

I also took apart the section behind the ignition lock. I only came up with 5 pins and 4 springs. I had a locksmith fix the ignition lock but now I am unsure which pins have springs on them.

[chevymandan]

I have an 04 impala and I had the same problem with the key getting stuck. Takes about 30 min and $0 to fix. Only tool you need is a flat head screw driver.
1. Take off lower panel by drivers side feet for access
2. You will see a cable coming from the back of the ignition. This cable only allows you to start the car when it is in P or N and only allows you to shift out of park when your foot is on the brake. There is a black piece with a white plastic clip on it. Pull this clip out (not off) with the flat head screw driver. This allows you to move the cable in and out for adjustment. When you think you have it, press the clip back in and give it a try. You want to make sure that you can only shift from P when your foot is on the brake and that you can only start the car in P or N. And of course you want to make sure you can get the key in and out. If it does not work try again. It takes a few tries to get it right.

[willmardan]

Unfortunetly I had a locksmith work on mine and I got ripped off. Im not exactly sure of the work that he did but he claimed my problem was due to wear in the ignition lock. If it ever happens again I'll give your solution a try.